Electrolytic cells



Jan. 31, 1956 R. Q. BOYER ELECTROLYTIC CELLS 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 FiledSept. 28, 1944 INVENTOR.

ROBERT Q. BOYER ATTORNEY.

Jan. 31, 1956 R. Q. BOYER ELECTROLYTIC CELLS 6 sheetssheet 3 Filed Sept.28, 1944 mm g 86% m wn we; Q BQ BSQQ N QNQ QQN an m m Qt on a: m WV WmAx mm w:

R Wm wm w Mm mm m Q nw wh mm Q R B Q E NR 3 INVENTOR.

ROBERT Q. BOYER ATTORNEY.

Jan. 31, 1956 R. Q. BOYER 2,733,202

ELECTROLYTIC CELLS Filed Sept. 28, 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 1 l l 52 3fI451 #1250 /6/ I4 5/ INVENTOR.

ROBERT Q. BOYER ATTORNEY.

Jan. 31, 1956 R. Q. BOYER ELECTROLYTIC CELLS 6' Sheets-Sheet 5 FiledSept. 28, 1944 Ill &

INVENTOR.

ROBERT Q. 50 YER W fie/422 ATTORNEY.

nrscrnorrrrc carts Robert Q. Boyer, Berkeley, aiif., assignor to theUnited tates of America as represented by the United States AtomicEnergy Commission Application September 28, 1944, Serial No. 556,127

11 Claims. ((11. 2il4--215) The present invention relates toelectrolytic cells and more particularly to improve electrolytic cellsof the general type disclosed in the copending application of Robert Q.Boyer, Serial No. 532,162, filed April 21, 1944.

The electrolytic cell mentioned is especially useful to reduce metallicions contained in solution, and comprises a casing that houses a liquidmetal pool in the lower portion thereof and porous partition structurein the upper portion thereof defining a plurality of anode compartmentsand a plurality of intervening cathode compartments. Anolyte iscontained in the anode compartments in contact with anode elementsarranged therein, and a number of the cathode compartments are connectedin series relation to form a passage through the casing through whichcatholyte is conducted in contact with both the liquid metal pool andcathode members arranged in the cathode compartments, the catholytecontaining metallic ions that are reduced electrolytically incident topassage of the catholyte through the casing. Accordingly, freshcatholyte containing metallic ions in the higher oxidation state iscontinuously supplied to one end of the passage mentioned and treatedcatholyte containing metallic ions in the lower oxidation state iscontinuously removed from the other end of the passage.

While this electroytic cell is entirely satisfactory in operation, itrequires the maintenance of a suitable difference in hydrostatic headsof the catholyte between the ends of the passage mentioned in order tocause the catholyte to flow therethrough at a suitable rate forelectrolytic treatment, with the result that the cathode compartmentsadjacent the end of the passage contain less catholyte than the cathodecompartments adjacent the beginning of the passage, whereby thecatholyte is not subjected to as uniform electrolytic treatment in thepassage from end to end as is desirable, Further, the conditionmentioned tends to cause the catholyte in the cathode compartmentsadjacent the be inning of the passage to permeate the porous partitionstructure and to mix with the anolyte in the adjacent'anodecompartments, resulting in oxidation instead of reduction of themetallic ions contained in the catholyte.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improvedelectrolytic reduction cell comprising :1 casing provided with acatholyte passage of maximum length entirely within the casing, andcontacting electrode structure arranged to afford a large uniformreducing action upon the metallic ions contained in the catholyte.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved electrolyticcell comprising a casing and an improved arrangement for circulatingcatholyte through an elongated passage formed in the casing.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrolytic cellcomprising a casing housing rotatable cathode structure that is utilizedto propel electrolyte through an elongated passage formed in the casing.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrolytic cellcomprising a casing housing a removable 2,7325% Patented Jan. 311, 1956frame supporting rotatable cathode structure and associated drivemechanism.

A further object of the invention is to provide an electrolytic cellcomprising a casing having a cover that is adapted to be secured theretoin gastight relation in order to collect gases liberated from thecontained electrolyte incident to electrolysis.

A further object of the invention is to provide an elec trolytic cellcomprising a casing having a gastight cover constructed in part oftransparent material so that the interior of the cell may be observedfrom the outside.

A further object of the invention is to provide an electrolytic cellcomprising a casing having a gastight cover supporting electrodestructure depending therefrom into the casing and the containedelectrolyte.

A further object of the invention is to provide an electrolytic cellcomprising a casing housing a liquid metal pool in the lower portionthereof and electrolyte in the upper portion thereof floating on theliquid metal pool and associated siphon mechanism for removingcontaminated liquid metal and treated electrolyte from the casing.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an electrolyticcell of improved construction and arrangement that is efiicient inoperation.

The invention both as to its organization and method of operation,together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best beunderstood by reference to the following specification taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a sideelevational view of electrolytic apparatus embodying the presentinvention; Fig. 2 is a plan view, partly broken away, of theelectrolytic cell incorporated in the apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3is a fragmentary persp-ztive view of the upper portion of theelectrolytic cell shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of thesupporting frame housed in the casing of the electrolytic cell; Fig. 5is an enlarged longitudinal sectional View of the electrolytic celltaken along the line 55 in Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is an enlarged transversesectional view of the electrolytic cell taken along the line 66 in Fig.5; Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of theelectrolytic cell taken along the line '77 in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is anenlarged transverse sectional view, partly broken away, of theelectrolytic cell taken along the lines 88 in Figs. 2 and 5; Fig. 9 is agreatly enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a structural detail ofthe electrolytic cell taken along the line 9-9 in Fig. 8, illustratingthe manner in which the porous cups carried by the supporting frame areblocked in place in the casing of the electrolytic cell; Fig. 10 is anenlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the electrolyticcell taken along the line 1tl10 in Fig. 6, illustrating the siphonarrangements for removing catholyte from the body of catholyte andliquid metal from the pool of liquid metal contained in the casing ofthe electrolytic cell; Fig. 11 is a greatly enlarged longitudinalsectional view of a structural detail of the electrolytic cell,illustrating the arrangement for supporting and spacing the associatedrotatable disks forming a part of the cathode structure of theelectrolytic cell; Fig. 12 is a greatly enlarged longitudinal sectionalview of a structural detail of the electrolytic cell, illustrating thearrangement for frictionally driving the associated rotatable diskforming a part of the cathode structure of the electrolytic cell; Fig.13 is a greatly enlarged transverse sectional view of a structuraldetail of the electrolytic cell taken along the line 1313 in Fig. 10,illustrating the arrangement for securing to the upper portion of thecasing the associated busbar forming a part of the anode structure ofthe electrolytic cell; and Fig. 14 is a greatly enlarged transversesectional view of a structural detail of the electrolytic cell takenalong the line 14-44 in Fig. 10,

6 illustrating the arrangement for removably securing in place theplates forming a part of the anode structure of the electrolytic cell.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 1 of the drawings, there isillustrated electrolytic apparatus 21- embodying the features of thepresent invention and comprising a-unitary support 22 carrying anelectrolytic cell 23, associated driving mechanism including an electricdrive motor 24, and associated pumping mechanism including a vacuumpump- 25 driven by'an electric motor 26, the driving mechanism and thepumping mechanism associated with the electrolytic cell 23-beingutilized for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter.

As best shown in Figs. 2 to 10, inclusive, the electrolytic cell 23comprises an insulating hollow casing 27, having an open top and beingsubstantially rectangular inplan. More particularly, the casing 27comprises two longitudinally extending and substantially parallellaterally spaced-apart side walls 28 and 29, two laterally extending andsubstantially parallel longitudinally spacedapart end walls 30 and 31,and a connecting bottom wall 32. Preferably, the casing 27 is ofone-piece molded construction, being formed of a conventional syntheticresin of high electrical and chemical resistance. A hollow insulatingcover block 33, formed of a conventional synthetic resin of highelectrical and chemical resistance, is removably secured in gastightrelation to the upper edge of the end wall 31 and to the adjacent upperedges of the side walls 28' and 29 by an arrangement including threescrews 34 and an associated gasket 35, formed of a suitable chloroprenetype of rubber or the like. The gasket 35 overlies the upper edges ofthe side walls 28 and 29 and the end walls 30 and 31, and iscommensurate with the open top of the casing 27, one portion of thegasket 35 being disposed between the block 33 and the end wall 31 andthe adjacent portions of the side walls 28 and 29. Each of the screws 34is threaded into a hollow bushing 36, secured within an associated holeformed in the end wall 31. Also, a cover proper 37 is removably securedin gastight relation to the upper edge of the end wall 30, to theadjacent upper edges of the side walls 28 and 29, and to the block 33 byan arrangement including a number of screws 38, the gasket 35, and agasket 39, formed of a suitable chloroprene type of rubber or the like,the gasket. 39 being arranged between the adjacent abutting portions ofthe block 33 and the cover 37. Each of the screws 38 is threaded intoanassociated hole formed in theztpper edge of the adjacent end wall 30 orside wall 28 or Accordingly, the cover block 33 andthe cover proper 37are sealed in gastight relation with respect to each other andconstitute cover structures scaling in a gast-ight manner the open topof the casing 27. The cover proper 37 comprises a top wall 40, formed ofglass or other transparent material, and an insulating depending skirt,formed of a conventional synthetic resin of high electrical and chemicalresistance andincluding two side walls 41- and 42 and two end walls 43and 44,- the lower edge of the skirt actually engaging the gasket 35, aspreviously explained. Preferably, the top wall 40 is substantially flushwith the top of the block 33, thetransparency of the top wall 40permitting convenient visual inspection of the interior or" theelectrolytic cell 23 in an obvious manner.

Removably arranged within the hollow casing 27 is an insulatingsupporting frame 45, formed of a conventional synthetic resin of highelectrical and chemical resistance. Preferably, the frame 45 is ofone-piece molded construction, although it may be convenientlyfabricated, and comprises two longitudinally extending side stringers 46and 47 arranged in substantially parallel laterally spacedapartrelation, three laterally extending cross stringers 48, 49, and 50arrangedin substantially parallel longitudinally spaced-apart relation,and two upstanding posts 51 and 52 disposed adjacent the cross stringerStland arranged in substantially parallel laterally spaced-apartrelation.

When the frame is arranged within the hollow casing 27 as previouslynoted, the side stringers 46 and 47 are disposed closely adjacent to theside walls 28 and 29, the cross stringer 48 is disposed closely adjacentto the end wall 30, the cross stringer 50 is arranged in spaced-apartrelation to the end wall 31, and the upstanding posts 51 and 52 aredisposed closely adjacent to the end wall 31 and extend into the hollowblock 33. Accordingly, the frame 45 is arranged in the lower portion ofthe casing 27, the lower edges of the cross stringers 48, 49, and 50engaging the bottom wall 32.

A plurality of hollow deep cups 53, formed of a porous semi-permeableinsulating material of the ceramic type, suchas Alundum or sinteredglass, are arranged in the upper portion of the casing 27 and carried bythe frame 45. iviore particularly, each of the cups 53 comprises tworelatively long laterally extending side walls, two relatively shortlongitudinally extending end walls, and a horizontally disposed bottomwall, whereby a relatively deep anode compartment 54 is formed in eachof the cups 53. The dimensions of each cup 53 are such that a relativelylarge number of the cups may be arranged in substantially parallellongitudinally spaced-apart relation in the upper portion of the casing27, and that the distance between the end walls of each cup is slightlygreater than the. distance between the centers of the side stringers 46and 47 of the frame 45 and somewhat less than the distance between theinterior surfaces of the side walls 28 and 29 of the casing 27. Moreparticularly, a number of pairs of laterally aligned and longitudinallyspaced-apart notches 55 are formed in the upper edges of the sidestringers 46 and d7 of the frame in order to receive and support. thebottom walls of the cups 53 and to retain the? in position, whereby theyextend laterally between the side walls 28 and 29 of the casing 27 andare disposed in substantially parallel longitudinally spaced-apartrelation between the end walls 3i and 31 of the casing 27, as previouslyexplained.

Further considering the arrangement of the cups 53 in the upper portionof the casing 27 and carried by the frame. 45, it is noted that the cups53 are arranged in spaced-apart series or staggered relation between theend walls 30 and 31 of the casing 27, odd ones of the cups 53 engagingthe side wall 29 and even ones of the cups 53 engaging the side wall25%. E tore particularly, as b.0373 in Fig. 7, the left-hand end wall ofthe lowermost odd cup 53 engages the side wall 29, While the right-handend wall of this cup is arranged in spaced-apart relation to the sidewall 28; on the other hand, the right-hand end wall of the uppermosteven cup 53 engages the side wall 23, while the left-hand end wall ofthis cup is arra "n cfik'clffill relation to the side wall 29. Accordingie staggering of the cups 53 between the end walls 3* and 31 of thecasing 2'7 in the manner explained abovc d .znes etergated sinuouspassage 56 through the casing 27 from end to end.

The cups 53 are retained in place upon the frame 45 in staggeredrelation in the. manner previously explained by a blocking arrangementincluding two series of screws 57, respectively carried'by the sidewalls 28 and 29, As best shown in Figs. 8 and 9, each screw 57 engages athreaded hole formed in one of the side walls 23 or 7.9, and the innerend thereof extends into an aligned opening formed in the wallmentioned. As illustrated, the odd cup 53 is urged into engagement withthe side wall 29, by thearrangement mentioned including the screw 57.More particularly, one end of an insulating stud 58 engages theassociated .end. wall of the cup 53, and the other end of the stud 58 isarranged in the opening mentioned formed in the side wall 28. Betweenthe end of the screw 57 and the end of the stud 58 disposed in theopening formed in the side wall 28 are arranged an insulating follower59 and a gasket 60, formed of a suitable chloroprene type of rubber orthe like, the gasket 60 being disposed between the follower 59 and .theadjacent end of the stud 58. Ac-

cordingly, when the screw 57 is tightened, engaging the follower 5?, thegasket 66 is expanded between the follower 59 and the stud 58 in orderto seal the opening formed in the side wall 28, thereby to preserve thegastight character of the casing 27; and the stud 58 urges the cup 53away from the side wall 23 into engagement with the side wall 2%.Accordingly, the arrangement described including the screws 57 iseffective to block the cups 53 in staggered relation in the upperportion of the casing 27, and to retain the frame 45 in position in thelower portion of the casing 27, for a purpose more fully explainedhereinafter.

In view of the foregoing explanation of the construction and arrangementof the cups 53, it will be understood that a plurality of anodecompartments 54 are formed in the cups 53 and that a plurality ofcompartments 61 are defined between the spaced-apart side walls ofadjacent cups, which compartments 61 are connected in seriesrelationship by the sinuous passage 56 in the manner previouslyexplained. The compartments 6i individually constitute cathodecompartments and are utilized for a purpose more fully explainedhereinafter.

Reconsidering the construction and arrangement of the cover 37 ingreater detail, it is noted with particular reference to Figs. 3, 5, 8,13, and 14 that two longitudinally extending notches are formed in thelower edges of the side walls 41 and 42 of the skirt of the cover 37intermediate the ends thereof, and carry two longitudinally extendinginsulating runners 62 and 63, respectively, of substantially identicalconstruction. The runners 62 and 63 are securely fastened to theassociated side walls 41 and d2, respectively, and actually engage thegasket 35, as previously explained. As illustrated in Fig. 14, therunner 63 is secured to the associated side wall 42 by an arrangementincluding a number of screws 64. The outside edges of the runners 62 and63 are substantially flush with tne adjacent side walls 41 and 42,respectively, of the skirt of the cover 37 and with the adjacent sidewalls 23 and 29 of the casing 27; while the inside edges of the runners62 and 63 extend inwardly into the upper portion of the casin 27 andcarry gaskets 65 and 66, respectively, formed of a suitable chloroprenetype of rubber or the like, that engage the upper edges of the adjacentcups 53. As best shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the inside edge of the runner63 has a longitudinally extending notch formed therein that receives thegasket 66, which gasket 66 in turn engages the upper edges of theassociated cups 53.

Also, the inside edges of the runners 62 and 63 have channel-shapedgrooves formed therein, into which two busbars 67 and 6t! a e suitablysecured by a number of screws 6'3, as illustrated in Fig. 13. Thebusbars 67 and 63 extend through openings formed in the end wall 43 ofthe skirt of the cover 37 to the exterior, as clearly illustrated inFigs. 2 and 5. The space between the ends of the busbars 6'7 and 6&5 andthe walls of the openings formed in the end wall 43, through which thebusbars extend, are suitably packed in order to preserve the gastightcharacter or" the casing 27. Finally, the extremities of the busbars 67and 63 are secured together by a laterally extending conducting strap 7ithat is connected to an electrical terminal 71, for a purpose more fullyexplained hereinafter.

In view of the foregoing description of the construction and arrangementof the runners 62 and 63 carried by the side walls at and 42 of theskirt of the cover 37, it will be understood that the busbars 67 and 63,respectively carried by the runners 62 and 63, are disposed within theconfines of the cover 37 and extend longitudinally over the ends of thecups 53. A plurality of laterally aligned and longitudinallyspaced-apart electrically conducting resilient clips 7 2 are secured tothe upper surfaces of the busbars 67 and 68. As clearly illustrated inFig. 14, the clip 72 is secured to the associated busbar 68 by a screw73.

,A plurality of laterally extending plate-like elements portion thereof.

74, formed of graphite or the like, are carried by the aligned pairs ofclips 72 in longitudinally spaced-apart relation and extending into theanode compartments 54 defined within the cups 53. More particularly,each of the anode elements 74 is provided with a pair of laterally andoppositely extending lugs 75 that are received by the associated pair oflaterally aligned clips 72, whereby the anode elements 74 are carried bythe busbars 67 and 68 in good electrical contact therewith. Accordingly,the cover 37 carries the anode structure in its entirety, including theelectrical terminal 71, the busbars 67 and 68, the clips 72, and theanode elements 74. The anode elements 74 are so constructed and arrangedthat they extend into contact with the bottom walls of the cups 53 andhave a length substantially commensurate with the side walls of the cups53, whereby a maximum surface of each anode element 74 is arrangedwithin the anode compartment 54 defined in the associated cup 53.

The frame as carries a longitudinally extending shaft 76 adjacent theupper edges of the cross stringers 48, 49, and 5d, and substantiallyintermediate the side stringers 46 and 47, the shaft 76 extendingthrough aligned openings formed in the cross stringers mentioned andbeing rigidly secured in place by three setscrews 77, as best shown inFigs. 5 and 6. Also, the frame carries two longitudinally extending andsubstantially parallel laterally spaced-apart drive shafts '78 and '79;the shaft 78 extends through aligned openings formed in the crossstringers 48, 49, and 5t) closely adjacent to and below the sidestringer 46, while the shaft 79 extends through aligned openings formedin the cross stringers mentioned closely adjacent to and below the sidestringer 47. The shafts 78 and 79 are journaled for rotation, and in theinterests of brevity, only the arrangement for rotatably supporting theshaft 78 is described in detail. More particularly, three bearingbushings 8t), 81, and 82 are respectively arranged in the openingsmentioned formed in the cross stringers 48, 4?, and and are restrainedagainst rotation by three associated keys 33, 84, and 85. Threecomplementary bearing bushings 86, 87, and 38 are rigidly secured to thedrive shaft 78 and respectively engage the bearing bushings 86, $1, and82. More specifically, the bushings $6 and 88 are carried by the driveshaft 78 adjacent the opposite ends thereof, while the bushing 87 iscarried by the drive shaft 73 adjacent the intermediate Preferably, thebearing bushings 80, 81, and 82 are formed of graphite, while thecomplementary bearing bushings 86, 37, and 88 are formed of aconventional synthetic resin of high electrical and chemical resistance.This arrangement is very advantageous in view of the fact that thebushings S6, 87, and 88 are acidresistant and the graphite bushings 81,82, and 83 lubricate the respectively associated bushings in order tominimize friction. In view of the foregoing explanation, it will beunderstood that the frame rigidly supports the shaft 76 and rotatablysupports the shafts 78 and 79.

A plurality of disk-like members 89, formed of nickel or the like, aresupported upon the shaft 76 for independent rotation, and constitutecathode members extending downwardly adjacent to the bottom wall 32 ofthe casing 27 and upwardly into the cathode compartments 61 arrangedbetween the cups 53. The cathode members 39 are disposed inlongitudinally spaced-apart relation along the shaft 76 by anarrangement comprising a plurality of associated bushings 94 that arepreferably formed of a conventional synthetic resin of high electricaland chemical resistance and surround the shaft 76. As best shown in Fig.11, each of the cathode members 39 has a centrally disposed openingformed therein engaging an annular shoulder 91 formed on the associatedbushing 96, and is clamped in place between the annular shoulder 91 andan adjacent clamping ring 92, arranged in threaded engagement with atubular portion 93 of the associated bushing 90. Accordingly, thecathode members 89 are rotatably mounted independently of each otherupon the 7 shaft 76 and are retained in proper longitudinallyspacedapart'relation by the associated bushings 90.

Reconsidering the construction and arrangement of the cups 53, the anodeelements 74, and the cathode members 89 in the embodiment of theelectrolytic cell 23 illustrated, eleven cups 53 are provided, definingeleven corresponding anode compartments 54 disposed between the cups 53.Accordingly, eleven anode elements 74 are respectively disposed in theeleven anode compartments 54 and ten cathode members 89 are carried bythe shaft 76 and extend into the ten cathode compartments 61..

The rotatable drive shaft 79 carries five friction-drive members 94,operatively associated with the five odd ones of the cathode members 39carried by the shaft 76; and the rotatable drive shaft 73 carries fivefriction-drive members 95, operatively associated with the five evenones of the cathode members 39 carried by the shaft 75. Moreparticularly, the five friction-chive members 94 are rigidly secured tothe drive shaft 79 and engage the peripheral portions of therespectively associated five odd cathode members 89, whereby the fiveodd cathode members 39 are driven in the same direction inresponse torotation of the drive shaft '79; while the five friction-drive membersare rigidly secured to the drive shaft 78 and engage the peripheralportions of the respectively associated five even cathode members 89,whereby the five even cathode members 89 are driven in the samedirection in response to rotation of the drive shaft 78. Thus, the fiveodd cathode members 89 are driven by the drive shaft 79 and the fiveeven cathode members 89 are independently driven by the drive shaft 78.

The friction-drive members 94 and 95 are of identical construction, andin the interests of convenience the structural details of only one ofthe friction-drive members 95 is illustrated in Fig. 12. Morespecifically, the frictiondrive member 95 includes a tubular element 96,surrounding the associated drive shaft 78 and rigidly secured thereto bya setscrew 97. The tubular element 96 has an annular shoulder 98 formedthereon and supports two metal disks 99 and 100 and an interveningresilient disk 101, formed of a suitable chloroprene type of rubber orthe like. The resilient disk 101 is clamped between the twometal disks99 and 100 by an arrangement including a nut 102 engaging a threadedportion 103 of the tubular element 96, the metal disk 99 engaging theannular shoulder 98 and the metal disk 100 engaging the nut 102.Preferably, the resilient disk 101 has an annular groove 104 formed inthe peripheral edge thereof that engages the peripheral edge of theassociated cathode member 89. The desired amount of friction between thefriction drive member 95 and the associated cathode member 89 may bereadily obtained merely byadjusting the position of the nut 102 on theassociated threaded portion 103 of the tubular element 96, and theconsequent compression and resulting expansion of the resilient disk101'.

The lower portion of the casing 27 contains a liquid metal pool 105,preferably mercury, the upper surface of the liquid metal pool 105 beingdisposed just below the bottom walls of the cups 53 and immersing thedrive shafts 78 and 79, and consequently the lower segments members 89and immersing the lower portions of the anode elements 74 arranged inthe anode compartments 54.

Fresh liquid metal is supplied to the liquid metal pool 105- by anarrangement including a conduit'108 extending through an openingprovided-in the topwall 40- of the" cover 37 into the cathodecompartments 61 disposed between the two cups- 53 arranged adjacent theend wall 30; and catholyte that is to be treated electrolytically issupplied to the body of catholyte 106 by an arrangement- 53 arrangedadjacent the end wall 30. Contaminated liquid metal is removed from theliquid metal pool 105 adjacent the end wall 31 by an arrangementincluding siphon mechanism 110; and catholyte that has been treatedelectrolytically is removed from the body of catholyte 106 adjacent theend wall 31 by an arrangement including siphon mechanism 111.Accordingly, catholyte that is to be treated is supplied to theelectrolytic cell 23 adjacent the end wall 30 of the casing 27, andcatholyte that has been treated is removed from the electrolytic cell 23adjacent the end wall 31 of the casing 27, whereby the catholyte isconducted through the cathode compartments 61 in series relation throughthe sinuous passage 56 from one end to the other.

In order to insure movement of the catholyte through the sinuous passage56 from end to end thereof and in the-manner explained above, odd onesof the cathode members 89 are rotated in a counterclockwise direction onthe shaft 76, and even ones of the cathode members 89 are rotated'in aclockwise direction on the shaft 76, as viewed in Fig. 8, wherebyadjacent ones of the cathode members 89 are rotated in oppositedirections. Accordingly, the body of catholyte 106 is propelled by therotation of adjacent ones of the cathode members 89 in oppositedirections from end to end in the sinuous passage 56, from the point ofsupply adjacent to the end wall 30 to the point of removal adjacent tothe end wall 31. Rotation of odd ones of the cathode members in thecounterclockwise direction on the shaft 76, and rotation of even ones ofthe cathode members 89 in the clockwise direction on the shaft 76 isobtained by effecting rotation of the respectively associated driveshafts 79 and 78, respectively in the clockwise direction and thecounterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 8.

More particularly, the outer end of the drive shaft 78 disposed adjacentto the end wall 31 has a bevel gear 112 rigidly secured thereto thatmeshes with a bevel gear 113 rigidly secured to a shaft 1.1-4 arrangedin an elongated opening formed in the post 51 of the frame 45; While theouter end of the drive shaft 79 disposed adjacent to the end wall 31 hasa bevel gear 115 rigidly secured thereto that meshes with a bevel gear116 rigidly secured to a shaft 117 arranged in an elongated openingformed in the post 52. Sealing gaskets 51a and 52a, formed of a suitablechloroprene type of rubber or the like, are respectively arrangedbetween the upper ends of the posts 5.1 and 52 and the adjacent lowersurface of the block 33 in surrounding relation with respect to theshafts 114 and 117 respectively, thereby to preserve the gastightcharacter of the casing 27. The lower ends of the shafts 114 and 115 aresuitably journaled in the lower ends of the openings formed in the posts51 and 52, respectively. The arrangement for journaling the lower end ofthe shaft 114 in the lower end of the opening formed in the post 51 isbest illustrated in Fig. 5, and comprises two comple incntary bearingbushings 118 and 119, the bearing bushing 113 being rigidly secured tothe shaft 114 and the bearing bushing 119 being rigidly secured in arecess formed in the lower portion of the post 51. Preferably, thebearing bushing 118 carrying the shaft 114 is formed of a conventionalsynthetic resin of high electrical and chemical resistance, while thecomplementary bearing bushing 119 is formed of graphite for the purposepreviously noted.

The upper end of the shaft 114 is supported by a thrust bearing 120 ofthe ball bearing type, including a lower ball race 121 surrounding theshaft 114 and rigidly secured to'the block-33,.and an upperball race122surrounding the shaft 114 and rigidly secured thereto; while theupper end of the shaft 117 is supported by a thrust bearing 123 of theball bearing type, including a lower ball race 124 surrounding the shaft117 and rigidly secured to the block 33, and an upper ball race 125surrounding the shaft 117 and rigidly secured thereto.

As best shown in Fig 1, the shaft 114 is secured by a coupling member126 to a shaft 127, rotatably journaled in a supporting bearing 128carried by the support 22; while the shaft 117 is secured by a couplingmember 129 to a shaft 130, rotatably journaled in a supporting bearing131 carried by the support 22. Further, the electric drive motor 24 isprovided with a shaft 132 that is secured by a coupling member 133 to ashaft 134, rotatably journaled in two supporting bearings 135 carried bythe support 22. Two bevel gears 136 and 137 are rigidly secured to theshaft 134 and respectively mesh two bevel gears 138 and 139,respectively, rigidly secured to the shafts 130 and 127.

Accordingly, when the electric drive motor 24 is operated, the shafts132 and 134 are rotated in the counterclockwise direction as viewed fromthe right hand side of Fig. l, effecting rotation of the shafts 130 and127 respectively in the clockwise and counterclockwise direction asviewed from the top of Fig. 1. Rotation of the shafts 130 and 127, andconsequently the connected shafts 117 and 114 respectively in theclockwise and counterclockwise directions, as viewed from the top inFigs. 1 and 6, effects rotation of the drive shafts 79 and 78respectively in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions as viewedin Fig. 6. Finally, rotation of the drive shaft 79 in the clockwisedirection effects rotation of odd ones of the cathode members 89 in thecounterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 8, while rotation of thedrive shaft 78 in the counterclockwise direction effects rotation ofeven ones of the cathode members 89 in the clockwise direction as viewedin Fig. 8; all in the manner previously explained, in order to effectpropulsion of the catholyte through the sinuous passage 56 from one endto the other for the purpose previously noted.

Considering now the construction and arrangement of the siphon mechanism110 in greater detail with particular reference to Figs. 6, 7, and aspreviously noted, the cross stringer 50 of the frame 45 is spaced somedistance from the adjacent end wall 31 of the casing 27 in order toprovide a cavity 140 therebetween disposed between the lower ends of theposts 51 and 52, which cavity 140 communicates with the liquid metalpool 105 and is consequently filled with liquid metal. Moreparticularly, a series of holes 141 is formed in the cross stringer 50,alfording communication between the cavity 140 and the remainder of thelower portion of the casing'27 containing the liquid metal pool 105 inwhich the lower segments of the cathode members 89 are immersed. Arelatively deep cylindrical cup 142 is arranged within the cavity 140,the upper open top of the cup 142 communicating with the liquid metal inthe cavity 140 adjacent the upper surface of the liquid metal pool 105,whereby liquid metal spills into the cup 142. This arrangement of thecup 142 in the cavity 140 constitutes a trap, whereby liquid metal fromthe liquid metal pool 105 adjacent the upper surface thereof falls intothe cup 142; which arrangement is highly desirable in view of the factthat it insures removal of impurities and contaminated liquid metal inthe liquid metal pool 105 that tend to accumulate on the upper surfaceof the liquid metal pool 105. More specifically, the siphon mechanism110 comprises an inverted substantially U-shaped tube 143, secured tothe end of the block 33 and the associated end wall 31 of the casing 27by two clips 33a and 31a, respectively. An inner end 144 of the U-shapedtube 143 extends through an opening formed in the upper surface of theblock 33 and downwardly into the cup 142; while an outer end 145 of theU-shaped tube 143 terminates in an upstanding open column 146 thatcommunicates with a downwardly turned tube 147 connected to an outletconduit 148, through which liquid metal is removed to the exterior.Accordingly, it will be understood that liquid metal falling into thecup 142 from the upper surface of the liquid metal pool is conductedthrough the substantially U-shaped tube 143 to the outlet conduit 148and to the exterior.

Considering now the construction and arrangement of the siphon mechanism111 in greater detail with particular reference to Figs. 6, 7, and 10,it is noted that this mechanism comprises an inverted substantiallyU-shaped tube 149, secured to the end of the block 33 and the associatedend wall 31 of the casing 27 by the two clips 33:: and 31a,respectively. An inner end 150 of the tJ-shaped tube 149 extends throughan opening formed in the upper surface of the block 33 and downwardlyinto the body of catholyte 106 floating on the liquid metal pool 105;while an outer end 151 of the U-shaped tube 149 terminates in anupstanding open column 152 that communicates with a downwardly turnedtube 153 connected to an outlet conduit 154, through which catholytethat has been treated electrolytically is removed to the exterior.Accordingly, it will be understood that catholyte that has been treatedelectrolytically in the body of catholyte 106 is conducted through thesubstantially U-shaped tube 149 to the outlet conduit 154 and to theexterior.

During operation of the electrolytic cell 23, gases are liberated by thebody of catholyte 106, as well as by the body of anolyte 107, and areaccumulated in the upper portion of the casing 27 and the cover 37.These gases are removed to the exterior by an arrangement comprising apipe 155 threaded into an opening formed in the end wall 43 of the cover37. Also, the gases mentioned have a tendency to be trapped in theliquid metal removed by the siphon mechanism and in the catholyteremoved by the siphon mechanism 111 as previously explained, which gasestrapped in the liquid metal removed and in the catholyte removed tend tobreak the siphoning action in the siphon mechanisms 110 and 111,respectively. In order to obviate this difficulty and to preventinterference with the siphoning actions of the siphon mechanisms 110 and111, the previously-mentioned pumping mechanism, including the vacuumpump 25, is operatively connected to the siphon mechanisms 110 and 111.More specifically, the bend in the substantially U-shaped tube 143forming a part of the siphon mechanism 110 communicates with anupstanding tube 156, while the bend in the substantially U-shaped tube149 which forms a part of the siphon mechanism 111 communicates with anupstanding tube 157; which tubes 156 and 157 are connected by a manifold158 to an inlet conduit 159 extending to the vacuum pump 25, the vacuumpump 25 being connected to an exhaust conduit 160. Accordingly, it willbe understood that when the electric motor 26 is operated, the associaedvacuum pump 25 exhausts gas accumulating in the bends in the twosubstantially U-shaped tubes 143 and 149 through the connecting tubes156 and 157, the manifold 158, and the inlet conduit 159, which gasesare discharged through the exhaust conduit 160. Accordingly, the pumpingmechanism described above prevents interference with the siphoningaction of the siphon mechanism 110 and 111 by gases trapped in theliquid metal and in the catholyte that are respectively removed by thesiphon mechanisms 110 and 111 from the casing 27.

Also, the end of the block 33 supports cathode terminal structureincluding a conductor 161 extending into the cavity into contact withthe liquid metal therein. More particularly, the upper end of theconductor 161 is secured to a hollow bushing 162 that extends through anopening formed in the end of the block 33, which bushing is retained inposition by an arrangement including anut 163 engaging the threadedouter end of the bushing 162. Further, a gasket 164, formed of asuitable chloroprene type of rubber or the like, is arranged between thenut 16 3 and the adjacent end of the block 33 in surrounding relationwith respect to the bushing 162, in order to preserve the gastightcharacter of the casing 27. The hollow bushing 162 accommodates aconducting rod-165 extending therethrough, the inner end of the rod 165being threaded into a'tapped iole formed in the conductor 161-. Aconducting fixture 166 is rigidly secured to the outer end of the rod165 and is in turn connected to an electrical terminal 167. Accordingly,it willbe understood that the block 33 carries a portion of the cathodestructure including the electrical terminal 167 and the conductor 161extending into electricalcoutact with the liquid metal contained in thecavity 140, and consequently the liquid metal pool 105. Further, it willbe understood that the cathode structure comprises the liquid metalpool'105 and the contacting cathode members 89.

in the construction and arrangement of the electrolytic cell 23, thecomponent parts thereof are formed of materials that resist corrosiveactions characteristic of the chemicals being treated; When theelectrolytic cell 23 is utilized in the treatment of a calutron washsolution, the example disclosed below, hydrochloric acid and chlorinegas are encountered, and the component parts of the electrolytic cellare formed of materials that resist the corrosive action of thesechemicals. More specmcally, the casing 27, the frame 45, and similarparts are preferably formed of a conventional synthetic resin of highelectrical and chemical resistance or other material of this characterthat resists the corrosive action of the chemicals mentioned; while thevarious gaskets and 39 and similar parts are preferably formed of asuitable chloroprene type of rubber or other material or" this characterthat resists the corrosive action of the chemicals mentioned.

Considering now the mode of operation of the electrolytic cell 23 inconjunction with the treatment of a caluiron wash solution, whichexamplehas been selected for the purpose of demonstrating the particularutility of the electrolytic cell 23, it is noted that a solution of thischaracter is normally about 3 N in hydrochloric acid, and usuallycontains the following ions: UO2++, Fe' Cu Ni++, and Cr+++. A calutronwash solution of the hydrochloric acid and ionic composition specifiedmay be prepared in the manner disclosed in the copending application ofMartin D. Kamen and Abel de Haan, Serial No. 542,378, filed June 27,1944. Initially,

liquid metal, mercury, is admitted through the conduit in order to fillthe lower portion of the casing 27 and to provide the liquid metal pool1x15 therein in the manner previously explained, the liquid metal in theliquid metal pool 105 standing in the lower portion of the casing 27 toa height just below the bottom walls of the cups 53. Hydrochloric acid,about 3 N, is placed in the anode compartments 54 in the cups 53 inorder to provide the body of auolyte 107 in the manner previouslyexplained, the level of the body of anolyte 107 in the anodecompartments 54 standing just above the upper segments of the cathodemembers 89, as previously noted. Hydrochloric acid, about 3 N, isadmitted through the conduit 109 in order to fill the cathodecompartments 61 andthe sinuous passage 56, and to provide the body ofcatholyte 106 therein in the manner previously explained, the level. ofthe body of catholyte 106 in the cathode compartments 61 and the sinuouspassage 56 standing just above the upper segments of the cathode members89, as previously noted. At this time, the lower segments of the cathodemembers 89' are immersed in the liquid metal pool 105, while the uppersegments of the cathode members 89 are immersed in the body of catholyte106; andthe lower portions of the anode elements 74 are immersed in thebody of. anolyte 107.

At this time, the circuit including an associated source of directcurrent supply is completed between the electricalterminals 71 and 167,these terminals being respectively positive and negative, wherebyelectrolysis in the electrolytic cell 23 is initiated. Operation of theelectric motor 24- is initiated, whereby odd ones of the cathode members3? are rotated in the counterclockwise direction and evenones of thecathode members 89 are rotated in the clockwise direction, as viewedfrom the right in Fig. 5, whereby the catholyte in the cathodecompartments 61 is propelled through the sinuous passage 56 in thecasing 27 from the end wall 30 toward the end wall 31. Also, operationof the electric motor 26 is initiated, whereby the vacuum pump 25 isoperated in order tocause the bendsin the substantially U-shaped tubes143 and 149, respectively, of the siphon mechanisms 110 and 111, to beevacuated, for the purpose previously explained. At this time, freshliquid metal is continuously conducted through the conduit 108 into theliquid metal pool and removed by the siphon mechanism 110 from the cup142 and discharged through the conduit 148, in the manner previouslyexplained; while the calutron wash solution of the character andcomposition previously. mentioned is continuously conducted ascatholyte. that is to be treated through the conduit 109 into the bodyof catholyte 106 and removed by the siphon mechanism 111 and dischargedthrough the conduit 154, in the manner previously explained.

During operation of the electrolytic cell 23, at least some of the ionsin the catholyte 106 are reduced from the higher oxidation state to thelower oxidation state as it is conducted through the cathodecompartments 61 and the sinuous passage 56. More particularly, theestablished rate of flow of the catholyte through the electrolytic cell23, under standard operating conditions, is such that the uranyl ion,UO2++, and the ferric ion, Fe+++, are respectively reduced by theelectrolytic current to the uranous ion, U++++, and the ferrous ion,Fe++. Of course it will be understood that a small amount of the ionsCu++, Ni Fe++, and Cr+++ are completely reduced to the metal states Cu,Ni Fe, and Cr by the electrolytic current, which metal impurities in thebody of catholyte 106 are carried by the rotating cathode members 89into the liquid metal pool 105. The metal im-- purities carried into theliquid metal pool 105 are either trapped therein or amalgamated.therewith, whereby the body of catholyte 106 is kept free of metalimpurities liberated therein incident to the electrolysis. the copper,chromium, and nickel impurities readily amalgamate with the mercury inthe liquid metal pool 105, Whereas the iron impurityis. trapped therein.On the other hand, none of the uranous ion, U++++, is completely reducedto the metal state, U due to the fact that it inherently possesses ahighovervoltage.

Further, it will be understood that the rotation of the cathode members89 is effective not only to propel the body of catholyte 106 through thesinuous passage 56 in the casing 27 from the end wall 30 toward the endwall 31, as well as to carry the metal impurities from the body ofcatholyte 106 into the liquid metal pool 105, in the manner previouslyexplained, but it also agitates the body of catholyte 106 and the liquidmetal pool 105 in,

order to facilitate the electrolysis. Finally, the constant rotation ofthe cathode members 89 causes a freshly amalgamated surface thereof tobe presented from the liquid metal pool 105 to the body of catholyte106, thereby maintaining substantially constant the internal resistanceof the electrolytic cell23 and consequently the electrolytic currenttherethrough.

Incident to operation of the electrolytic cell 23', the anion Clmigratesthrough the walls of the cups 53 to the anode elements 74 disposed inthe. anode compartments 54-, whereby some chlorine gas is liberated andescapes from the anode compartments 54 into the upper portion of thecasing 27 and the cover 37, which chlorine gas,

Specifically,

along with any other gases or vapor present, is exhausted through thepipe 155 to the exterior. Of course, some of this chlorine gas istrapped in the body of anolyte 107 disposed in the anode compartments54; however, substantially none of it migrates through the porous wallsof the cups 53 into the body of catholyte 106 disposed in the cathodecompartments 61, due to the character of the porous walls of the cups53, the porosity of the walls of the cups 53 accommodating conduction ofthe electrolytic current therethrough but substantially preventing themigration of chlorine therethrough, whether in the vapor phase or inionic form in the two bodies of electrolyte. This arrangement is veryadvantageous, in view of the fact that the chlorine does not contaminatethe body of catholyte 106disposed in the cathode compartments 61,whereby the oxidizing effect of chlorine on the ions in the body ofcatholyte 106 is eliminated. In passing, it is noted that chlorine gaspossesses a high oxidizing potential and is capable of oxidizing readilythe uranous ion, U++++, back to the uranyl ion, UO2++, as well asoxidizing the ferrous ion, Fe++, back to the ferric ion, Fe+++, therebypreventing eflicient operation of the electrolytic cell 23. However,this difficulty is overcome, due to the construction of the cups 53,whereby the electrolytic cell 23 operates efficiently substantiallyentirely to reduce the uranyl and ferric ions to the uranous and ferrousions, as previously noted.

Further, it is pointed out that the metal impurities trapped, as well asthe amalgam produced in the liquid metal pool 105, are relatively lightwith respect to the mercury in the liquid metal pool 105, and have atendency to float on the upper surface of the liquid metal pool 105;which metal impurities and amalgam fall into the cup 142, due to thetrap arrangement previously described, and are removed to the exteriorin the manner previously explained. At this point, it is again notedthat the pumping mechanism, including the vacuum pump 25, preventsinterference with the normal siphoning operation of the siphonmechanisms 110 and 111 respectively to remove the liquid metal from thecup 142 and to remove the catholyte that has been treated from the bodyof catholyte 106. The liquid metal discharged from the casing 27 throughthe conduit 148 may be reprocessed for reuse in any suitable manner;While the catholyte that has been treated which is discharged from thecasing 27 through the conduit 154 is subjected to further treatment inthe manner disclosed in the previously-mentioned copending applicationof Kamen and De Haan.

In view of the foregoing, it will be apparent that there hasbeenprovided an electrolytic cell of improved construction andarrangement that is especially adapted for use in conjunction with thereduction of ions contained in wash solutions derived from calutronsemployed in the calutron method of producting uranium enriched with 235While there has been described what is at present considered to be thepreferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood thatvarious modifications may be made therein and it is intended to cover inthe appended claims all such modifications as fall within the truespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is: V

1. An electrolytic cell comprising a casing including a pair ofsubstantially parallel spaced-apart walls, a removable supporting framearranged within the lower portion of said casing between said walls, aplurality of porous cups carried by said frame and arranged inspaced-apart staggered relation against said walls within the upperportion of said casing and defining therein both a plurality ofcompartments and an elongated sinuous passage disposed among said cups,a liquid metal pool contained in the lower portion of said casing andsubmerging at least a portion of said frame, means for blocking saidcups-in position, whereby odd ones of said cups are urged against afirst one of said walls and even ones of said cups are urged against asecond one of said walls iri position by said liquid metal pool, saidcompartments being adapted to receive a first body of electrolyte andsaid sinuous passage being adapted to receive a second body ofelectrolyte and to provide a conducting channel therefor through saidcasing, a plurality of elements respectively disposed in saidcompartments and constituting a first electrode, and a plurality ofmembers disposed in spaced-apart relation in said sinuous passage andconstituting a second electrode.

2. In electrolytic cell comprising a casing, partition structurearranged within said casing and defining an elongated sinuous passagetherein adapted to contain an electrolyte continuously moving throughsaid casing, said sinuous passage including loops connected by straightsegments, a plurality of rotatably mounted members respectively disposedin the straight segments of said sin uous passage and constituting anelectrode in contact with said electroylte ad means for rotating oddones of said members in one direction and even ones of said members inthe oppositee direction in order to propel said electroylte through saidsinuous passage.

3. An electrolytic cell comprising a casing, a plurality of porous cupsadapted to contain an anolyte material and arranged in spaced-apartstaggered relation within said casing and defining therein both aplurality of compartments and an elongated sinuous passage disposedamong said compartments, said sinuous passage including loops connectedby straight segments and adapted to contain a catholyte material, aplurality of elements respectively disposed in said compartments andconstituting an anode in contact with the anolyte material therein, aplurality of rotatably mounted members respectively disposed in thestraight segments of said sinuous passage and constituting a cathode incontact with the catholyte material therein, and means for rotatingadjacent ones of said members in opposite directions in order to propelsaid catholyte material through said sinuous passage.

4. An electrolytic cell comprising in combination, a casing, a pluralityof separate, movable, porous cups disposed in said casing and adapted tocontain a first electrolyte, a sinuous passage within said casingdefined by the exterior walls of said cups and the interior walls ofsaid casing and adapted to contain a second electrolyte, a plurality ofelectrodes disposed in said cups in contact with said first electrolyte,a plurality of electrodes disposed in spaced-apart relation in saidpassage in contact with the second electrolyte, and separatelyadjustable positioning means extending through the side walls of saidcasing and contacting said cups for positioning the same with respect tothe walls of said casing, whereby odd ones of said cups may be movedadjacent a first side wall of said casing and even ones of said cups maybe moved adjacent a second side wall of said casing thereby to form saidsinuous passage and to insure a predetermined path of flow of saidsecond electrolyte through said cas- 5. An electrolytic cell comprisingin combination, a casing, a removable supporting frame arranged withinthe lower portion of said casing, a plurality of separate porous cupssupported by said frame and adapted to contain a first body ofelectrolyte, said cups being disposed in the upper part of said casing,a sinuous passage within said casing defined by the exterior walls ofsaid cups and the interior walls of said casing and adapted to contain asecond electrolyte, a liquid metal pool contained in the lower portionof said casing and submerging at least a portion of said frame, meanspositively holding said frame in position, a plurality of electrodesdisposed in said cups in contact with said first electrolyte, and aplurality of electrodes disposed in spaced-apart relation in saidpassage in contact with said second electrolyte.

6. An electrolytic cell comprising in combination, a

casing, .-a plurality of porous cups disposed in said casing and adaptedto contain a stationarybody of a first electrolyte, a sinuous passagewithin said casing defined by the exterior walls of said cups and theinterior walls of said casing and adapted to contain a continuouslymoving body of a second electrolyte to be treated in said cell, meansfor continuously introducing said untreated second-electrolyte into saidpassage adjacent one end of said casing, means for continuously removingsaid treated second electrolyte from said passage adjacent another endof said casing, a pluralityof rotating electrodes disposed in saidpassage and serving to propel said second electrolyte ,therethrough anda plurality of stationary electordes disposed in said cups in contactwith the stationary body of first electrolyte therein.

7. In an apparatus as defined in claim 6, means for rotating .a portionof said rotating electrodes in one direction .and another portion ofsaid rotating electrodes in another direction whereby the materialimpelled thereby moves from one end of said casing to the other endthereof.

8. An electrolytic cell comprising in combination, a casing, a porouspartition structure arranged within the upper portion of said casing anddefining a plurality of separate cups with a sinuous passage along theexterior thereof,-said cups being adapted to contain a stationary bodyof a firstelectrolyte and a stationary electrode in contact with said.first electrolyte, a liquid metal pool disposed in'the lower portionofsaid casing, said passage being adapted to contain a moving body of asecond electrolyte floating upon said liquid metal pool, a pluralityofrotatably mounted electrode members arranged within vsaid casing inspaced-apart series relation, the lower portions of said electrodemembers contacting said liquid metal pool and the upper portions thereofcontacting said second electrolyte, and means for rotating adjacent onesof said electrode members in opposite directions-in order to propel saidsecond electrolyte through said passage.

9. An electrolytic cell comprising in combination, a casing, a porouspartition structure arranged within the upper portion of said casing anddefining a plurality of separate cups Witha sinuous passage along theexterior thereof, said cups being adapted to contain a stationary bodyofa first electrolyte and a stationary electrode in contact-With saidfirst electrolyte, a liquid metal pool disposed in the lower portion ofsaid casing, said passage being adapted to contain a moving body of asecond electrolyte floating upon said liquid metal pool, a plurality ofrotatably mounted electrode members arranged within said casing inspaced-apart series relation, the lower portions of said electrodemembers contacting said liquid'metal pool and theupper portions of saidmembers contacting said second electrolyte, a first drive shaftoperatively connected to odd ones of said electrode members, a seconddrive shaft operatively connected to even ones of saidelectrode members,and means for rotating said first and second drive shafts so thatadjacent ones of said electrode members are rotated in oppositedirections in .order'to propel said second electrolyte through saidpassage.

10. An electrolytic cell comprising in combination, a casing, a porouspartition structure arranged within the upper portion of said casing anddefining a plurality of separate cups .witha sinuous passage along theexterior thereof, said cups being adapted to contain a stationary bodyof a first electrolyte anda stationary electrode in contact with saidfirst electrolyte, a liquid metal pool disposed in the lower portion ofsaid casing, said passage being adapted to contain a moving body of asecond electrolyte floating upon said liquid metal pool, a plurality ofrotatably mounted disks forming a second electrode and arranged within,said casing in spaced-apart series relation, the lower portionsof saiddisks contacting said liquid metal ,pool and the :upper portions ofsaiddisks contactingsaid second electrolyte, a first drive shaftarranged :within said casingand ,frictionally engaging the peripheralportions'of odd ones of said disks, a second drive shaft arranged withinsaidcasing and frictionallyengaging,theperipheralportions of even onesof said disks, .and means for rotating said first and second driveshafts in oppositegdirections, whereby adjacent ones of said disks arerotated inopposite directions in order to propel said second electrolytethrough said passage.

11. An electrolytic cell comprising in combination, a casing, a porouspartition structure arranged Within the upper portion of said casing anddefining aplurality of separate cups with a sinuous passage along theexterior thereof, said cups being adapted to contain a stationary bodyof a-first electrolyte and a stationary electrode in contact with saidfirst electrolyte, a liquid metal pool disposed in the lower portion ofsaid casing, said passage being adapted to-contain a moving body of asecond electrolyte floating upon said-liquid metal pool, a supportingframe arranged within the lower portion of said casing and carrying ashaft, aplurality of independently rotatable disks mounted inspaced-apart relation on said shaft and forminga second electrode, thelower portions of said disks contacting said liquid metal pool and theupper portions of saiddisks contacting said second electrolyte, anddrive means carried by-same frame for selectively'rotating said disks inorder to propel said second electrolyte through saidpassage.

References'Cited in the file ofthis patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 386,073Jewell July 10, 1888 489,216 Calhoun et al Jan. 3, 1893 507,130,Hoepfner Oct. 24, 1893 699,415 Reed May 16, 1902 892,983 Digby July 14,1908 870,915 Vreeland Nov. 12, 1907 1,147,989 Towne July 27, 19151,655,781 Caraccio Jan. 10, 1928 1,712,952 Creighton May 14, 19291,732,797 Eustis Oct. 22, 1929 1,745,348 Aubel Feb. 4, 1930 1,782,909Pike Nov. 25, 1930 2,109,975 Ott Mar. 1, 1938 2,234,967 Gilbert Mar. 18,1941 FOREIGN PATENTS 8,837 Great .Britain of 1891 484,689 France Aug. 7,1917 OTHER REFERENCES Trans. Electrochemical Soc., .vol. '67 1935 page359.

2. IN ELECTROLYTIC CELL COMPRISING A CASING, PARTITION STRUCTUREARRANGED WITHIN SAID CASING AND DEFINING AN ELONGATED SINUOUS PASSAGETHEREIN ADAPTED TO CONTAIN AN ELECTROLYTE CONTINUOUSLY MOVING THROUGHSAID CASING, SAID SINUOUS PASSAGE INCLUDING LOOPS CONNECTED BY STRAIGHTSEGMENTS, A PLURALITY OF ROTATABLY MOUNTED MEMBERS RESPECTIVELY DISPOSEDIN THE STRAIGHT SEGMENTS OF SAID SINUOUS PASSAGE AND CONSTITUTING ANELECTRODE IN CONTACT WITH SAID ELECTROLYTE AND MEANS FOR ROTATING ODDONE OF SAID MEMBERS IN ONE DIRECTION AND EVEN ONES OF SAID MEMBERS INTHE OPPOSITE DIRECTION IN ORDER TO PROPEL SAID ELECTROLYTE THROUGH SAIDSINUOUS PASSAGE.